Babysitting Seahenge 1999

It was back in the winter of 1998-1999 following the discovery of the Bronze Age monument
buried in the sand between high and low tide levels at Holme-next-the Sea, members of our
Archaeological Society were asked to 'babysit' this very important discovery during periods of low tide and during the hours of daylight.
The reason for this was because of following the publication of its discovery in the media it became a magnet
for all sorts of pagan and New Age movements arguing that they had "a kind of spiritual ownership of the circle"
in addition some 5000 visitors came to see it during the first 3 months of 1999.

We were asked to patrol the area and make sure nobody came too close to the circle and thus damage
any of the fragile timbers or the upturned tree root located in the centre of the circle.
At this stage there were none of the confrontations as seen later when the site was excavated.

I was one such volunteer and I was able to spend many an hour walking the beach at low tide from late January
and the spring of 1999 often with a freezing cold easterly wind blowing off the sea.
I do recall that on such days there were not ever so many visitors coming to look at this monument.

Go-ahead for the excavation was given of the timbers was given in March 1999 and excavation subsequently
started in May 1999 and this led many a confrontation with the New Age and 'Druid' protestors trying to prevent excavation of the timbers.
At this stage the police were involved in making sure that the protestors were kept well away from the excavation.
Of course at this stage we were no longer required.

The timbers were duly sent to Flag Fen near Peterborough for preservation with the help of the Mary Rose Trust.
Some of these timbers can now be seen in the Lynn museum.

Further Information on Seahenge

When Seahenge was exposed by the movement of the sandbanks it started to be eroded by the sea
and its preservation dictated that it moved from its original vulnerable coastal position.
It was carefully surveyed and then lifted and moved to be housed in Kings Lynn museum where it can be seen today.
It is displayed in its own controlled area of the museum, safe from the deterioration is would have suffered outside
and, even ouside its original coastal position, is still a dramatic exhibit.
The Lynn Museum website features Seahenge and can be found HERE

WNKLAS In The News

King John's Treasure

The society's investigation of a local farm contributed to a programme made for US television as part of the Expidition Unknown series.
This systematic survey of an area that was a likely route for the Royal Treasure was also the subject of a recent lecture evening.

Professional Organisations

About Us

We are a local archaeology group that has been exploring the archaeology of West Norfolk for about 50 years.
We pride ourselves on being a friendly bunch and of engaging with the local community wherever we are working.
Although we have professionally trained archaeologists within our ranks the majority of our members are amateurs who are interested in exploring the history
and heritage of the area where we live.
West Norfolk has a rich history and we enjoy our lectures and summer projects be they focused on digging test pits, surveying the seashore or just recording monuments for future generations.